Gemotions

The silence in the waiting room was deafening. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the plastic cold against his back. He glanced at the other applicants, their faces blank. He was sure they were all in league, plotting to make him seem inadequate. He took a shaky breath.

His mind replayed every mistake he'd ever made, every flaw he possessed. He was sure his weaknesses were being discussed. The door opened and the person interviewing him smiled, and he felt a burst of heat. He felt the smile was a false one.

He was convinced his rival, Alex, was being favored. Every polite word, every casual gesture from the interviewer now seemed loaded with hidden meaning. The coffee in the waiting room tasted bitter. He couldn't relax.